1600 / 510

1967-1973 / Sedan / Japan

All 1600 / 510 problems All workshop issues

Common Body and Structure

Floor Pan Corrosion

Symptoms

Soft, spongy, or perforated floor pans. Wet carpet after rain. Road noise increases noticeably as the floors thin. In extreme cases, the floor is partially or entirely gone.

Cause

The floor pans are thin-gauge steel with minimal factory corrosion protection. Road spray from below and water entry from above (through deteriorated seals) attack the metal from both sides. Australian humidity accelerates the process even without road salt.

Fix

Weld in repair panels.

Some reproduction floor sections are available; others must be fabricated from flat sheet steel by a competent panel beater.

This is a common and well-understood repair in the 510 community.

Cost: $500--1,500 per section, depending on extent and fabrication requirements.

Cost mentioned in fix

Cost: $500

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// More 1600 / 510 problems

Other known issues

Minor Body and Structure

Sill (Rocker Panel) Corrosion

The outer sill skin softens and crumbles. Door alignment changes as the inner sill structure weakens. The car may creak or flex over bumps.

Minor Body and Structure

Inner Guard and Strut Tower Corrosion

The inner front fenders around the MacPherson strut top mounts corrode and thin. In severe cases, the strut tower can deform under load.

Critical Body and Structure

Rear Wheel Arch Corrosion

Bubbling paint, perforation, and structural weakening of the inner and outer rear wheel arches.

Common Body and Structure

Spare Tyre Well Corrosion

The boot floor around the spare tyre well perforates. Water pools in the spare tyre recess.

Critical Engine -- L-Series (L16)

Oil Leaks

Oil seepage and dripping from multiple points on the engine. Common leak points: valve cover gasket, timing cover gasket, oil pan gasket, rear main seal, distributor shaft seal, cam seal.

Critical Engine -- L-Series (L16)

Timing Chain and Tensioner Wear

Rattling or slapping noise from the front of the engine, particularly on cold start. In severe cases, the chain skips a tooth, altering valve timing and potentially causing valve-to-piston contact.

View all 17 1600 / 510 problems